Author: Lonzell Wilson

Volume 1, Issue 1

March 6, 2014

FROM THE DESK OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

As I enter my third year as a Purple Tiger, I realize how much I love our students, schools, and the Marvel City.
We have accomplished a lot this past year. Especially in the area of capital improvements. We have moved from the Davis Middle School building to the Old Jess Lanier Building. We also renamed the middle school Bessemer City Middle School. In the midst of this transition, we sold the Davis Middle School building to the City so they can build a new recreation center and fields. Our final building project will be completed March 2014.
We are completing an addition to Hard Elementary with a new cafeteria, media center, and office suite. Stay tuned to our newsletter to keep everyone posted of the district news and progress. We are still fired up and ready to go.
“Empowering Students Through Excellence In Education”
Quote of the month
There is a blessing and lesson in everything. Children do not care about how much you know until they see how much you care.

BESSEMER CITY SCHOOLS

CENTRAL OFFICE SPOTLIGHT
CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM DIRECTOR— MRS. SHAW

SuPERINTENDENT’S COMMUNIQUE

1. How do you feel about being a part of the Bessemer City School System family?
It is a true honor and privilege to be a part of the Bessemer City School System family.
Every day is a “Peachy Day” some days may be warm and fuzzy and some days may be a little tart, but every day is a “Peachy Day”.
2. What has been your educational journey?
University of Alabama
B.S., Restaurant and Hospitality Management, 3.9
2007 – 2011
Magna Cum Laude Honor
Bevill State Community College
A.A,S., Accounting, 3.76
2003-2007 Magna Cum Laude HonorSpecialties: Additional Training: ServSafe, Certification, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 2011 National Food Service Management Institute, University of Mississippi 2008 Additional classes in Nutrition, Quality Food Production, Sanitation/Food Safety, School Nutrition Association 2007
3. What do you plan to implement in the Child Nutrition Program?I plan to work together with my team/staff to continue emphasizing teamwork and promoting healthy nutritious meals to help fight against the childhood obesity epidemic. We need to educate our students, faculty, staff, our parents and our communities on the importance of healthy meals. Also, another one of our goals is to become State of Alabama Board of Education Six Cent Certified.
4. What were you doing before you became CNP Director for Bessemer City Schools?
Child Nutrition Program Director
Choctaw County Board of Education
January 2012 – July 2013 (1 year 7 months) Butler, Alabama
July 2010 – January 2012 (1 year 7 months) Tuscaloosa, Alabama
5. What is your greatest accomplishment thus far? Getting my Bachelor Degree when I was told I would never succeed and that it wasn’t going to be worth anything but a waste of time. As well as, becoming a Child Nutrition Program Director for the Bessemer City Board of Education.
6. What motivates you to push forward? The students, I really want the students to have healthy nutritious meals. In some instances what the students eat at school is the only meals they receive. I want each child to have something nutritious that can hold them until they return back to school. Also, this a way to educate students on choosing what is good for them which will help in fighting against health issues and childhood obesity. If we educate the students then they can help educate the parents thus giving us a win-win outcome for us all.
The Bessemer City School System started the 2013-2014 school year with a keen sense of pride and purpose. As Bessemer City School System employees entered Bessemer City High School for the System-wide Professional Development Day on August 12, they seemed eager to start the new school year. In the opening session, Superintendent Fred Primm emphasized that now is the time to elevate our school system from good to great. He urged all employees to put away their idiosyncracies, let go of the past and contribute to making our system great. Then and only then will the school system reach its fullest potential. In an attempt to get the crowd energized and stirred up for the school year, Dr. Primm had everyone to repeat the following words after him, “I Can, I Will, I Must.” As those words resonated (echoed) across the auditorium, everyone was fired up and ready to go. It was a powerful moment. Furthermore, he conveyed that showing up to work is not enough. We must prepare and care about what we are doing. Children,remember you. People’s perception is their reality. If an employee was to travel to Timbuktu, Mali, the only perception that people would have of the Bessemer City School System is what they examine from that employee, and what he/she said in regards to the system. For this reason, it is imperative that we learn to be positive or be quiet.
The entertainment provided by Bessemer City Middle School Teachers Mr. Yarbrough and Mr. Verin was very motivational. The keynote speaker of the hour, Omar Neal was dynamic. According to Mr. Neal a paradigm shift has occurred in education . We are no longer teaching a test, but children. Therefore, the role of educators is twofold. First, we must ‘indoctrinate ‘which means to put in (breathe life into our children) and constantly remind them that their attitude will have a tremendous effect on the outcome of their lives. Secondly, we must ‘educate’ our children which means to bring out. It is the teachers responsibility to see the potential in the child when he does not see it in himself.
Mr. Neal ended with an analogy connected to the Wiz. He posed the following question. “ What do we
need to push the Bessemer City School System forward? 1. Like the scarecrow, educators need a brain or knowledge, which means a solid grasp of their craft. Anything that does not grow dies. 2. In the same way as the tin man, teachers need a heart in order to reach and meet the needs of our students. 3. Lastly, the lion needed courage. Today, teachers must have courage to enter their classrooms and face the many challenges that rise daily. Therefore for our students to reach their destinies, they must attain knowledge, love and courage, from their teachers.

Inside this issue:

From The Desk Of The Superintendent/Central Office Spotlight	1
Quote Of The Month	1
2013-2014 System-Wide Development/Upcoming Events & News	2
School Spotlight	3
Celebrating The Life & Legacy Of Christine Knight	4-5
2013-2014 System-wide Leadership Teams	6
Stamp Out Bullyiing	7
Alumni Spotlight	8

CENTRAL OFFICE SPOTLIGHT
CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM DIRECTOR— SHAW (Continued)

2013-2014 BESSEMER CITY SCHOOLS SYSTEM-WIDE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY

“ I CAN,
I WILL, I
MUST”

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BESSEMER CITY SCHOOLS

System-Wide School Spotlight - BESSEMER CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL
WELCOME TO THE DEN OF THE PURPLE TIGERS!!!

As you drive up 100 High School Drive, you see the words TIGER PRIDE. The former James A. Davis Middle School Falcons have become the Bessemer City Middle School Tigers. In an attempt to bridge the gap and bring uniformity it was decided that the name as well as the colors of the middle school should mirror the high school. Superintendent, Fred Primm, Principal Albert Soles and Assistant Principal LaRhonda Aikerson are hoping that this will change the negative perception (stigma) that seemed to shadow Davis Middle School. We seem to be off to a great start. Due to a collective effort from the Superintendent, board members, administrators, teachers, other staff members, contractors and the maintenance team throughout the summer, students were able to return to school on the first day.
As a result of renovations being made to the school building, teachers were only given a week to prepare their rooms for the new school year. This did not deter BCMS administrators, teachers, and other staff members from pushing forward. They were determined to start off the school year exemplifying Tiger Pride. When students arrived August 19th, they were able to experience for the first time being a student at Bessemer City Middle School. Both parents and students were excited to see some of the changes that had been made to former Jess Lanier High School. As parents helped their children transition to the cafeteria, gym or library those parents who attended the former JLHS commented that they felt like they were home. This moment was truly a historymaker.
In addition to the 7th and 8th grade levels, a 6th Grade Academy was added. On September 13th, Jameka S. Thomas was named Assistant Principal of the Sixth Grade Academy. This year Bessemer City Middle School has an estimated 950 to 1000 students (about 400 more than last year). Ten teaching units were added to accommodate the additional students. Bessemer City has six teams. The sixth grade teams are the purple paws and white paws. The seventh grade teams are the purple cubs and the white cubs. The eighth grade teams are the purple tigers and the white tigers. Together, we are ‘Strong Teams Producing Strong Students.’ The administration designated Mondays for the Tiger Family to wear purple. On Fridays, all Bessemer City Middle School students and staff wear school t-shirts to show TIGER PRIDE.
This year to enhance student achievement, BCMS teachers will use educational tools such as E-beams and I-pads in their classrooms. Furthermore, Bessemer City Middle School has science labs and computer labs, two reading coaches, a math coach and a technology coordinator to enhance the academic program. Other features include an electronic marquis, a band room, a choir room, a spacious library and lunchroom, a gym with a newly renovated floor, a huge practice field for the football team, (all BCMS football games will be played at BCHS) and a larger nursing station.
The seventh and eighth grade Open House was held on Tuesday September 24th, and the sixth grade Open House was held on Thursday September 26th. In an Eighth Grade Assembly, the administrators reminded the eighth grade students that their 2013-2014 class would be the first graduating class of Bessemer City Middle School. This year, will never be forgotten.
Go BCMS PURPLE TIGERS!!!!

“ Together, We Are Strong Teams Producing Strong Students”

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A TRIBUTE TO MRS. CHRISTINE KNIGHT:
YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN

CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF
MRS. CHRISTINE KNIGHT: NO ORDINARY WOMAN
Mrs. Christine Knight was truly no ordinary woman. She was a woman of extraordinary abilities and talents. She taught in the Bessemer City School System for 33 years. Through the years, Mrs. Knight gave unconditionally to the Bessemer City School System, first serving as an educator and later as a dedicated board member for the Bessemer City School System. She was respected by so many individuals and has touched so many lives. In the classroom, Mrs. Knight led by example and possessed a passion for learning and life that impacted all of her students positively. She was so knowledgeable of her content area and remained professional at all times, acting as a true lady and serving as a role model for all who beheld her. Mrs. Knight’s ability to bring characters alive such as Lady Macbeth and various other Shakespearean characters was amazing. She believed in the abilities of all her students and made them feel as if they could conquer the world. She was articulate, charismatic, graceful, optimistic and had a smile that was intoxicating. Mrs. Christine Knight provided her students with assignments that challenged them and raised the rigor, such as reciting the prologue to the Canterbury Tales and compiling a research paper (which was essential for any student to know who planned to attend college). At the end of the day, Mrs. Christine Knight was more than an educator. She was a confidant, a counselor, a friend, a parent, a grandparent, and role model to so many students who lacked the support they needed at home. We were so blessed to have such a diamond in our lives. She was a woman of unshakeable faith and served as an instrument used by God to help love, mold and shape one of His most precious gifts, ‘Our Children.’ Mrs. Christine Knight’s life and legacy will continue to serve as a beacon of hope for those of us left behind, and as a reminder that the struggle continues to provide our children with a quality education.

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BESSEMER CITY SCHOOLS

A TRIBUTE TO
MRS. CHRISTINE KNIGHT: YOU WILL NEVER BE
FORGOTTEN….

With that signature Look!!!

The 2013– 2014 System-Wide Leadership Teams

The Communication Team The Curriculum Team
Jacquetta Christian Iverson Dudley Allatesha Welch
Ketina Lyons Demetrius Gaines
Charlene Medley Lakeishia George
Andrea Merritt Charvon Lassiter
Shemethia Perdue Johanna Massey
Dr. Fred Primm, Superintendent Quinerri Mitchell
Shuntae Barginear-Richardson Tamara Oliver-Jackson
Melba J. Shanks Brenda Rumley, Principal
Tiffany Wilson-Pugh LaTesa Sanders
The Instructional Leadership Team The Professional Development Team
Broderick Canada, Asst. Principal Jamica Bolton
Regina Dickens Linda Cox-Richardson, Asst. Principal
Vickie Manzella, Director LaBrenda Marshall Jo E. Dale
Barbara McCoy, Principal Lakeisha Moody
Dr. Fanchon Muhammad, Director of Instruction Shawnta Owens
Yohance Prioleau Daphne Shade
Toni Taylor Kem Steward
Jameka Thomas, Asst. Principal Ms. Swain
Nikkia White Ms. Beverly Underwood
The School Improvement Team Shannon Sudbury, Human Resources
Claire Benjamin Director
Monique Bibbs
Andrea Kirk-Cook
Van James
Tonna Jones
Crystal Lassiter
Remeka Little
Jasponica Moore, Principal
Kenneth Williams FIRED UP, READY TO GO!!!!

Volume 1, Issue 1

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BESSEMER CITY SCHOOLS
S T A M P
STAY TELL AVOID MAKE PROJECT
AWAY SOMEONE BAD FRIENDS CONFIDENCE
FROM IN SITUATIONS WITH THOSE
BULLIES CHARGE BEING BULLIED
OUT
BULLYING

Bessemer City Schools
Current Events And News
Mrs. Massey, Abrams Elementary teacher receives doctorate degree.
Westhills Elementary School was recognized as a torchbearer school.
Broderick Canada is named Assistant Principal at Bessemer City High School.
Jameka Thomas is named Assistant Principal at Bessemer City
Middle School.
Congratulations, to the Bessemer City High Football Team for making it to the 2nd Round - 6A Regional Playoffs!!!
Hard Elementary School is renovating its facility.
Welcome new Board Member, Claire Mitchell.
The Annual Beef Benefit Gala was held December 5, 2013, at the Bessemer Civic Center and was a huge success.
Congratulations to the Bessemer City High School Basketball Team for making it to the Final 4 - 6A Regional Playoffs. Gooooo!!! Purple Tigers!!!
Come out and support the Bessemer City Schools Elementary Basketball Games (all of them will be played at BCMS).

Bessemer City Schools

Board of Education
CONTACT INFORMATION

1621 5th Avenue North
P.O. Box 1230
Bessemer, AL 35021

Phone: 205-4323001
Fax: 205-432-3085
E-mail: someone@example.com www.bessk12.org
Tiffany Wilson-Pugh - Editor/
Communication Team

Empowering Children Through Excellence In Education

We’re on the Web!
www.bessk12.org

Alumni Spotlight—Bessemer City Schools Graduate
JASMINE CRENSHAW

What are your future career plans?
When I graduate from Alabama State University, I will commission into the United States Air Force as a second lieutenant. I plan to make a career out of the Air Force by serving 20 years or more. When I retire from the Air Force, I plan to start my own businesses, which will more than likely be a hotel and a restaurant.
What specific tools did teachers and staff of Bessemer City School System equip you with to advance your education? Explain.
The teachers and staff of Bessemer City School System equipped me with several skills in the classroom and out. Starting from Mrs. Feagin’s class in first grade at Greenwood Elementary, I was taught professionalism and perseverance. Bessemer City teachers always encouraged me to utilize my resources and try my hardest in whatever I did. They taught me the importance of preparation. Dedication, attitude, and scholarship are three top principles that I received from Greenwood, Davis, and Bessemer City High alike. I would like to send a special thanks to Mrs. K. Steward, Mr. K. Williams, Mrs. L. Cox, Ms. Shaw-Wayne, Ms. T. Pugh, Coach Burks, Mrs. O’Neal, Ms. Watts, Mrs. S. Barginear-Richardson, Ms. P. Jones, Mr. Y. Prioleau, Mrs. M. Richardson, Col. T. Willford, and CMSgt R. Clark for placing a special touch on my education.
What advice would you give to those aspiring, upcoming graduates?
The best advice that I could give to upcoming graduates is to know who you are, keep pushing, and do not get lazy because life is just beginning.
What is your favorite book?
My favorite book is The Women of Brewster Place by Gloria Naylor. It is a definite must-read, especially for young women.
What do you feel has contributed to your success in your educational pursuits thus far?
Several things have contributed to my educational success. My always supportive family, my close-knit group of friends, my spiritual and physical health, and my personal will to succeed has played a significant role in my success.
What scripture gives you the most comfort in your most difficult times?
Psalms 27: 1-3 “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though a host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.”

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